News

RIVERKEEPER® Cleanup Cup A Close Competition

Thanks to a group of highly dedicated volunteers, the 8^th Annual Riverkeeper Cup Cleanup Challenge was a success. Approximately 175 volunteers from multiple communities up and down the Tar-Pamlico River removed just under 5,000 pounds of trash from the river and its banks on Saturday, April 16th. In Franklin County,  volunteers from Novozymes Environmental Awareness Team collected 1,160 pounds of trash from the Tar River and surrounding areas to claim this year’s title as Riverkeeper Cup Champions.

“I would like to thank all of the individuals who donated their time on Saturday to help clean up their communities and their beloved River. We are all winners,” states the Pamlico-Tar Riverkeeper Heather Deck.

Cleanups occurred in Franklin County, Rocky Mount, Tarboro, Greenville and Washington, and this year was our closest competition yet, with less than 100 pounds of trash separating first, second and third place for this friendly competition. Volunteers in Tarboro,  claimed second place by collecting 1,095, while the city of Rocky Mount was a close third, collecting 1,070 pounds of trash.  The city of Greenville collected an even 1,000 pounds of trash, and a small crew of dedicated volunteers collected 640 pounds of trash and recyclables from Washington.

The Cleanup competition began in 2009, when then Washington Mayor Judy Jennette issued the citywide cleanup challenge that was accepted by past Greenville Mayor Pat Dunn.  The community that collects the most trash by weight is honored with a Riverkeeper Cup trophy, and now five towns compete in this friendly competition each spring. Great Outdoor Provision Company in Greenville sponsored the cleanup this year, sending their staff to assist as safety boats on the water and Great Outdoor Provision Company also gave away four gift cards to our cleanup volunteers. Additionally, Knee Deep Adventure provided kayaks free of charge to volunteers in Greenville.

Related Media

River Cleanup Benefits Community- Rocky Mount Telegram

River Cleanup Challenge Returns for 8th Year– Washington Daily News